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Produced by Communication for Development Foundation Uganda (CDFU) for: Accion International Energy Links Project.
The Firefly system.
“Get educated about this affordable and healthy alternative to the ‘tadooba ’ so that it
gives you good light. It lasts for a long time!”
This flip chart has been developed as a guide for the facilitator
• To educate rural communities about the benefits of the Firefly system.
• To train people so that they can use the Firefly system for a long time while it is giving them bright light.
• To make sure users understand and follow the instructions concerning the disposal of the used parts of the Firefly system.
Target audience: Community members aged between 18 and 60 years because they are likely to purchase the Firefly system.
Each page on the facilitator’s side will be split into two sections. In the top half there will be the text that relates to the pictures
on the page that can be seen on the community members’ side and a small picture similar to the one that appears on the
community members’ side.
• You can also ask additional questions to learn about their situation and check for their understanding of the material.
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• The system enables you to save money that you would have spent on paraffin.
• The system provides light for at least six hours when fully charged.
Note: You can charge the system from anywhere as long as the panel is facing the sun.
Safety measure: Always watch over your Firefly system while it is charging to prevent it from being stolen, spoilt by
children or rain.
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Step 1: Disconnect the panel from the lamp and place the lamp on a stable stand like a table or a stool.
Step 3: Switch off your Firefly lamp after use, before going to bed or when the light is dim. Don’t let the lamp run all the
way down! When the light gets dim, you must turn it off.
Step 4: Keep your Firefly system in a safe and dry place such as a cupboard to protect the sensitive parts.
Step 5: Recharge the battery using the solar panel for at least four hours every day.
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• You can put the Firefly lamp on a desk to help you read your books or newspapers.
• You can also use the lamp indirectly by shining it against a light coloured surface so that the light is reflected into the
room.
A very bright lamp A bright lamp with a partially A dim lamp with a low battery.
with a fully charged lamp. charged battery. Switch it off immediately!
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As you use the Firefly lamp everyday, it will pass through three stages of brightness;
1) The VERY BRIGHT LIGHT stage: This happens when the Firefly system is fully charged. At this stage; the Firefly lamp
gives you very bright light.
2) The BRIGHT LIGHT stage: The firefly lamp will give you bright light for about 4 hours. During this time, it is okay for you
to use the lamp without recharging the battery.
3) The DIM LIGHT stage: This is where the Firefly system gives you dim light. This happens after using the Firefly system
for a period of 4 -6 hours. When the lamp becomes dim, you should switch it off imediately and recharge your battery
for 4 hours in bright sunlight. Note: If your lamp remains dim after 4 hours of recharging in bright sunlight,
contact an authorised distributor of the Firefly systems so that you can purchase a new bulb or battery for
your system.
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• You should keep the Firefly system away from children, rain and animals to prevent them from breaking or spoiling it.
• You should keep the system in a dry place (and away from rain) to protect the sensitive parts.
• You should remember to charge the Firefly system once a day for at least four hours so that it can store power. If the
weather is cloudy, you should charge the system for at least six hours.
• Contact an authorised distributor to purchase and replace parts that do not work.
• You should refer to your local distributor or an authorised Firefly sales person for any questions about the Firefly
system.
• You should switch off your lamp after using it, when you are going to sleep, or when the light is dim to avoid draining
the battery.
• Always return your spoilt or used up batteries to an authorized Firefly distributor for proper disposal of these items. He/
she will sell to you new Firefly parts at a reduced price when you return the old ones.
• It is important to return your spoilt or used up parts to the authorised distributor because those materials contain
chemical substances that can be harmful to you and your family if they if they are thrown in a wrong place.
You should use the Firefly system to provide light to your home because;
• The Firefly system helps you to save money that you would have used to buy paraffin.
• The Firefly lamp is brighter than a paraffin lamp/tadooba. It is 10 times brighter than a tadooba.
• The Firefly system is safe for your home; there is no risk of fire burning you.
• The system provides light for at least six hours when fully charged.
• It is easy to use (the facilitator should explain this statement to the audience).